Nut radius discrepancy.

[strke-fender]

What would be the effect of putting a 9 1/2" radius nut on a 10" radius neck?

Thanks for your help.

[testing1two]

Probably nothing, especially since the slots will need to be filed some anyways.

[JTE]

Originally Posted by strke-fender

What would be the effect of putting a 9 1/2" radius nut on a 10" radius neck?

Thanks for your help.

If it's one with the underside radiused, it might crack because it won't fit the slot correctly.

John

[walterw]

+1, and +1.

the top doesn't matter because it should be final-filed anyway, while the bottom has to be the same as the slot or you risk breaking it. (it's easy enough to slap a bit of sandpaper between two frets and sand the nut bottom to match the radius if that's what the nut slot requires.)

[john grey]

I also agree that a nut should be fitted in totality. While it's possible that this type of difference could be filled, it's also possible that it may give rise to problems. If dealing with nylon or some polymer the difference outlined MAY settle it's also a gamble if the string-slots are not of a "V" configuration. Frankly I wouldn't do it if there was any "spring" or "flex" to the completed nut.
IF that's what you have to work with I certainly would attempt to flush-fit the bottom first & then determine if you had enough height to complete it. In the case of bone; I tend to think it would crack over time. This is where brass has some utility as it's a slow fit, demanding more file strokes. Using a "V" rather than a "U" shape for the string slots. A half inch MAY be fitting flush with minimal trimming but I wouldn't "over-glue" to fill the gap if one existed. I would either use enough trimming to meet wood to nut or some solid to solid. While I doubt that heavy glued paper could buzz I also doubt that it would be a firm grip but you may get lucky.

I've learned the hard way that settling for what's available is generally not worth the issues down the line.

[walterw]

a "V" slot is gonna be awfully grabby (like pinching the string in a jar-lid opener), a recipe for tuning nightmares.

you want a U slot, one that's just wider than the string itself, so the string centers in the bottom of the slot without pinching or bouncing around.